Micro Inverter Solar Panels: The Future of Solar Power?

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More than half of all of the solar installations in the US use micro inverter solar panels. More people are switching to micro inverters, as they provide a better alternative to string solar inverters, which are traditionally the most common type of solar inverters.

The advantages of choosing micro inverter solar panels are endless,and with the increasing amount of customers installing them worldwide, they could be the future of solar power! In this article we will explore everything you need to know about them, to help you determine if they are going to be a good choice for you.

What are Micro Inverter Solar Panels?

A micro inverter is a miniscule inverter that can be directly attached to either one or two solar panels. This means that each solar panel can function independently, and DC power is converted to AC straight away at the source. The primary advantage of choosing solar panels that feature micro inverters is that every single panel you have is optimized and monitored in order to generate maximum power- regardless of what the other units in your solar setup are doing.

One of the many issues with traditional string solar panels is that they are not designed to individually overcome the fact that each panel generates a differing amount of power due to certain factors that we will explore below. This is a major disadvantage.If one panel is performing poorly, it will affect all the others in the chain.

Some of the factors that affect how well your solar panels operate include:

If the panel is shaded by a tree or another structure

If they are dirty

The orientation and angle of the mounted solar panel

Alternate Arrow RightSome panels might age faster than others and therefore not perform as well

Alternate Arrow RightDifferences in temperature

None of the issues listed above will affect solar panels that are equipped with micro inverters. They will all be able to function at their optimal power capacity and not be affected by the other panels in your solar setup.

Advantages of Micro Inverter Solar Panels

Here are some of the key factors to consider before deciding which solar panel system will be most beneficial for your household needs.

More Flexible

One of the major selling points of these types of panels is that they can be installed on pretty much any type of roof layout. They can be placed at different tilt angles and different orientations, unlike string inverter solar panels. This makes them an excellent option if you have a roof that faces several different directions.

No Single Point of Failure

Micro inverter solar panels do not have a singular point of failure. This is a hugely important factor to consider, especially if you want a larger solar system with multiple panels. If one panel is faulty, it will not affect the rest of the system. And you will never be left without power.

Faster and Easier to Install

Because micro inverters are attached directly and individually to your solar panels, the installation process will be quicker. There is no string system to be wired together, so as the installation is faster and the cost of labor will be cheaper.

Discreet

If we are being completely honest, rooftop solar panels can be ugly. This is especially true when you consider that string inverter solar panels will usually be installed somewhere near to your utility meter, which takes up valuable space as well as being rather unsightly.

With micro inverters, the majority of the solar equipment will be out of sight right up on the roof with the panels themselves.

More Efficient

Efficiency is key when it comes to selecting which kind of solar system to install. No one wants to wake up one day and find themselves without electricity,and this is what frequently happens with solar string technology. If one panel goes down, so do the rest. This is yet another favorable feature of micro inverter solar panels – they are more reliable and efficient, as they all operate independently.

Safer

If you are concerned about safety when it comes to choosing your solar panels, then micro inverter solar panels can offer you complete peace of mind. You won’t be concerned about high voltage DC power on your rooftop, as micro inverters only have an AC voltage system.

Cost Effective

While it’s true that micro inverter solar panels can appear to be costlier up front, you have to remember that in the long run they will pay for themselves and are a sound investment. They will produce a greater amount of energy, leading to significant savings on a lifetime supply of power.

When we look at all of the benefits they provide, it is clear that micro inverter solar panels are an excellent choice for anyone looking to convert to solar energy. But, how about the disadvantages?

Fortunately, there are only a few drawbacks to using micro inverters

The fact that they are on the roof means that they will be subject to adverse weather conditions, so choosing a robust and well-designed micro inverter is imperative

They are on the roof, which means if they need to be repaired or undergo maintenance, access could be tricky

Conclusion

In today’s fast-paced society, people always look for the simplest and safest solution to satisfy their consumer needs and budget. Micro inverter solar panels are becoming more popular because they are safe, effective and highly efficient.

As the world and the environment change with regards to climate change and pollution, more people are turning to solar energy to move towards supporting green, clean energy.

Ultimately, micro inverters produce more energy than their series string counterparts,and that is what is going to seal their fate with regards to the future of solar panel technology.